Breathing on the mind: Treating dyspnea and anxiety symptoms with biofeedback in chronic lung disease - A qualitative analysis

Abstract

Rationale: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by dysfunctional breathing patterns that contribute to impaired lung function and symptoms of dyspnea, anxiety, and abnormal carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels.

Objective: The study objective was to measure the acceptability of a new mind-body intervention we developed called Capnography-Assisted, Learned Monitored (CALM) Breathing, implemented before pulmonary rehabilitation.

Methods: CALM Breathing is a 4-week (8-session) intervention designed to treat dyspnea and anxiety in adults with COPD by targeting dysfunctional breathing behaviors (guided by end-tidal CO₂ levels). CALM Breathing consists of ten core breathing exercises, CO₂ biofeedback, and motivational interviewing. Using qualitative methods and semi-structured interviews immediately post-intervention, we evaluated the acceptability and participation process of CALM Breathing. Themes were identified using constant comparative analysis.

Results: Sixteen participants were interviewed after receiving CALM Breathing. Three main themes of CALM Breathing were identified: (1) Process of learning self-regulated breathing, (2) Mechanisms of a mind-body intervention, (3) Clinical and implementation outcomes.

Conclusions: Positive themes supported the acceptability of CALM Breathing and described participants' process of learning more self-regulated breathing to manage their dyspnea and anxiety. Positive signals from qualitative participant feedback provided support for CALM Breathing as an intervention for COPD, but larger scale efficacy trials are needed.

Keywords: Anxiety; COPD; Dysfunctional breathing; Dyspnea; Mind body; Symptom self-management.